Brothers praying that
you and your families are in our Lords Grace and Peace. I would like to thank
the many Brothers that have called and e-mailed me on how my last letter
affected them. These kind of communication is the only way I know that there is
positive results happening within our orders.

I talked about
LEADERSHIP in my last letter and as I thought about a topic for this month
RESPONSIBILITIES came to mind. We can demand Quality Leadership but as the CRAFT
we have Key Responsibilities in supporting our Leaders.

Our Responsibilities
to the Lodge are found in our Obligations, Charges and Masonic Code. There are
many and here are a few:

1.I will keep and
never reveal any of the secrets of our hidden mysteries.

2.By the exercise of
Brotherly Love we are taught to regard the human race as one family, the high,
the low, the rich, the poor who created by one almighty parent, and inhabiting
the same planet, should aid, support and protect one another. On this principle,
Masonry unties men of every country, sect, and opinion and promotes true
friendship among those who might otherwise have remained perpetually at a
distance.

3.To relief the
distressed is a duly incumbent on all men, particularly upon Masons, who are
linked together by a chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to
sympathize with them in their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and
to restore peace to their troubled minds, are aims we have in view. On this
basis we establish our connections and form our friendships.

4.Truth is a divine
attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first
lesson we are taught in masonry. Hence while influenced by this principle,
hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us: sincerity and plain dealing
distinguish us; and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other’s welfare,
and rejoicing each other’s prosperity.

5.You are charged to
inculcate to God, you neighbor and yourself.

6.Will answer and Obey
ALL Due Signs and Regular Summons.

7.Will help, aid and
assist all poor distressed brothers.

8.Will not wrong,
cheat nor defraud a brother.

9.Past behavior and
regular deportment have merited the honor, which we have now conferred: and in
your new character, it is expected that you will conform to the principles of
the order, by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.

10.Will support the
Constitution of your Grand Lodge in which state you’re from.

11.Keep secrets of a
Brother when communicated to me as such as secure and inviolate in my breast as
they were in his before communication.

12.Will not give the
grand Hailing sign of distress.

13.Will not give the
substitute for the Master’s word in any other manner than that in, which I
received it.

14.Will not violate the
chastity of a Brother’s wife, widow, mother, sister, or daughter nor suffer it
to be done by another if in my power to prevent.

These are many
Responsibilities and it seems as if it’s a full time job, well it is. Remember
what was asked of you when you first knocked on the Lodge door,”Is it of your
Own Free Will and Accord” you answered YES.

One of the most
violated Responsibility we face is, “That We Will Answer and Obey All Due Signs
and Regular Summons”. It can be attested by Lodge Meetings, it’s always the same
Brothers that attend them. The only time you see other Brothers is when there is
a Degree Night, Elections or a Social Function. Brothers in order for Prince
Hall Masonry to shine we have to be FAITHFUL to that Responsibility. We need to
be at Lodge Meeting so we will know the direction we are going and be able to
give input and support to all on going undertakings. We need to support our
leaders on visiting our sister Lodges and share our knowledge with our
Jurisdiction.

One of the most
important tool that we have in Prince Hall Masonry to learn about our
Responsibilities is the Master Mason Study Clubs, its there that we receive
Masonic Education. At these study clubs is where we increase in Knowledge. We
practice our Ritual Responsibilities so that when a member is not at a meeting
we can fill in the seat and perform sharply. These study clubs are the lifelines
for Master Mason to grow and become great Leaders and Role models within the
Jurisdiction.

We need to attend
District Meeting and Grand Lodge Sessions so you can see and be part of the big
picture of the Jurisdiction. There we meet your Leaders and Counter Parts.
Traveling Brothers from other Jurisdictions SEEK out a Lodge where you are at,
ASK a brother when they meet, and KNOCK at the door of a Lodge to continue to
enjoy the pleasures of the order.

I can go on with
Responsibilities; it’s a never-ending subject that covers the Lodge, Craft,
Family, Church, Community and Yourself. If we adhere to our Responsibilities as
laid out in our Obligations, Charges and Masonic Code we will become the Role
Models in our daily walk in life. I Challenge you to attend Lodge Meeting; Study
Clubs District Meeting and Grand Lodge Session to better equip yourself as we
face the challenges of today.

So the
Responsibilities to the Lodge entails many different aspects of duties that we
knowingly accepted. The main item that we must understand is the loyalty to the
officers that we elected into office. More important to support all activities
that are put before the Lodge, whether District or Grand Lodge. So we can work
with and not against Masonry.

I would like to leave
you with one more thought. When I was in the Army and every time I re-enlisted I
took an Oath that had these words, “I will defend the Constitution of the United
States against all enemies foreign or domestic, I will obey the orders of the
President of the United States and the order of the officers appointed over me”.
Well my Brothers Prince Hall Masonry asks the same to support the Constitution
of your Grand Lodge and support your Leaders, and uphold to your Duties and
Responsibilities.

May you enjoy your 4th
of July celebration and remember that all freedoms have come at a cost, to
include Prince Hall Masonry. I will keep up my Quest through out the rest of the
year and as long as our Lord allows me. God Bless You all.